Auckland, NZ. 14-18 February 2023
Youth Development sailors D’arcy Kemp (Skipper), Daniel Kemp, Charlie Verity, Josh Paulson & Hugo Butterworth have finished up the HARKEN Youth International Match Racing Cup in 5th place (out of 11 teams).
Cyclone Gabrielle left a cloud of uncertainty as to whether or not the team would make it. Most of the team made it halfway across the Tasman when their flights were turned back on Tuesday evening, but all five sailors managed to rebook flights, arriving just hours before the first race.
The team finished fifth from eleven teams in the round robin, qualifying for the quarter finals against Braeden Denny of TYPBC. In a fierce battle, with less than a boat length in every finish, they were eliminated 3-1. As a result, the team missed out on progressing to the semi-finals and placed fifth in the regatta, an improvement on their result last year when they came nineth. They also finished as the first Australian team at the event.
Over the COVID period, the number of participants in our Youth Development dwindled, but under the guidance of Coach Rob Brewer and with the support of the Club and senior squad members, the numbers are boosted up for 2023. The focus of the season was to teach the young up-and-comers to sail small keelboats at the standard required for international competition. At this event, the crew work in particular was virtually faultless, marking a milestone in squad development and laying the foundations for strong results moving forward.
“I am really grateful to the Alfreds, Rob and Niall for the opportunity to compete at this event and the support we have received over the last couple of years. This is likely my last international event steering and it was great to finish on such an enjoyable event where the team sailed so well. Also, a big thank you to the Hyde family for billeting us and a congratulations to place getters.”
2023 Youth Development Squads
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is now accepting Expressions of Interest for the 2023 Youth Development keelboat squad programs. Register your interest today!
RPAYC has two Youth training squads, the Intermediate Youth Development program and the senior Youth Development racing squad. Both squads train onboard the RPAYC’s fleet of Elliott 7 keelboats, under the guidance of the club coaching staff.
The IYD squad program is open to youth members, aged between 13 and 17, who can demonstrate existing dinghy or keelboat sailing skills and experience fleet racing. The program will introduce the dynamics of sailing a keelboat to sailors, including boat handling and sailing with symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers.
The Youth Development Squad (YD) is an advanced keelboat squad training program, for youth members aged between 16-25. The program commences in May 2023 and involves both on & off water training sessions. Sailors will have the opportunity to represent Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at selected club and state regattas, and gain selection to National and International Championships.